Chi ‘Sweet’ on ‘L.A.’

Crix heap seven noms on each; 'Titanic' in pool

Warner Bros.’ “L.A. Confidential” and Fine Line’s “The Sweet Hereafter” led the ballot for the 10th Chicago Film Critics Awards, each snagging seven nominations, including best picture. Also vying for top honors are “As Good As It Gets,” “Boogie Nights” and “Titanic.”

Awards in the 12-category event will be presented March 1 at the Park West. The organization is made up of 43 members.

In addition to best picture, “Confidential” also received nominations for its direction, screenplay, music score, cinematography and for actors Kevin Spacey and Guy Pearce, respectively, in supporting actor and most promising actor categories. “Sweet Hereafter” also was nominated in direction, screenplay and music, with Ian Holm receiving a best actor nod and Sarah Polley nominated in supporting and promising actor categories. “Confidential” swept the top four critics org prizes, while “Sweet Hereafter” consistently was a runner-up.

Nominated for best actor by the group are Robert Duvall (“The Apostle”), Peter Fonda (“Ulee’s Gold”), Holm, Jack Nicholson (“As Good As It Gets”) and Al Pacino (“Donnie Brasco”). Best actress nominees are Helena Bonham Carter (“The Wings of the Dove”), Judi Dench (“Mrs. Brown”), Jodie Foster (“Contact”), Pam Grier (“Jackie Brown”) and Helen Hunt (“As Good As It Gets”).

The Chi critics nominated three French films — “Irma Vep,” “La Ceremonie” and “When the Cat’s Away” — Japan’s “Shall We Dance?” and “Ulysses’ Gaze” from Greece in its foreign-language section.